Program areas at Lane Coalition for Healthy Active Youth
To fulfill its goals of improving the nutrition environment for Youth, lchay works to advance policies designed to increase availability of healthful, affordable foods, & ultimately improve the health of local families with an emphasis on reaching children in underserved neighborhoods. The organization's Healthy corner stores initiative (hcs) fulfills the majority of the program work in this area. Hcs is a program involving researchers, retailers, advocates,social service agencies & economic development organizations, working alongside people with low incomes to improve the nutritional profile of offerings in local convenience stores & their surrounding neighborhood. Lchay also actively participates in local & statewide projects & coalitions working to reduce Youth's consumption of soda & other sweetened beverages.
Lchay coordinates & hosts the riverbend run/walk, an annual, family- friendly event offering a safe & fun opportunity for physical activity & positive interaction amongst diverse community members. The event also features a health & wellness expo onsite. The expo highlights local organizations & businesses providing interactive displays, product samples, demos & activities to enhance the "fitness, health & wellness" focus of the event overall.
Lchay serves as technical advisor to other groups & initiatives seeking to improve physical activity & nutrition environments. This is accomplished by providing information, resources, & training to community partners. Other services include assistance with community outreach & Coalition- building, public policy research & development,& advocacy. Lchay serves as the convener of, and for select grants, the fiscal sponsor for, the alliance for heatlhy families, a collaboration amoung six non-profit organizations whose mission support improving health outcomes for children & families through increased access to Healthy food & physical activity. These organizations are working to increase the effectiveness of their individual programs through collective impact.